Health and Safety
Health and safety are important considerations when planning a trip overseas. A few things to contemplate when preparing for an overseas education abroad program include:
- Packing a First Aid Kit
- No matter where you plan to travel, it is always wise to pack a small medical kit with certain essentials that may be required during your trip. First aid supplies should include:
- Bandages
- gauze tape
- scissors
- tweezers
- topical antibiotic ointment
- An elastic bandage (helpful for strains or sprains)
- Anti-inflammatory drug, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent (when traveling in areas where mosquitoes are present)
- Pepto-Bismol and/or Imodium AD.
- Pre-Departure Medical/Dental Exams
- You are required to fill out an “Acknowledgment of Health and Safety Risks” form and “Medical Self-Assessment” Form as part of your Education Abroad program application. Since study abroad often means that students must live for some time with medical services and general health conditions that are different from those in your home country, we strongly recommend that all students have a thorough medical check-up before departure.
*If you develop any new physical or psychological conditions following completion of the form that might affect your participation in any way, you should inform the Education Abroad office. American dentists generally advise that check-ups and necessary dental work be completed in the US rather than abroad. - Medical Insurance
- All students are required to purchase The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) because it is an internationally recognized form of student identification accepted in more than 100 countries around the globe. The ISIC card provides access to numerous discounts and other advantages as well as a minimum level of medical insurance coverage. All students are required to purchase the ISIC card for each semester of their education abroad program. § All students are encouraged to review their medical coverage pertaining to traveling and living outside of the United States, and to purchase additional coverage if necessary.
- Immunizations
- Students should check which inoculations are recommended for travel to any country they intend to visit. Immunization information is available from your own physician, the Travel Clinic at the WSU Wellness Center, or the Center for Disease Control. An illness that commonly affects travelers to rural or jungle areas in Latin America, Africa or Asia is malaria. If you are planning to travel extensively in these areas, you will want to discuss anti-malarial preventive measures with your physician prior to departure. Start this process early because some inoculations require several weeks to complete, and to give yourself time to absorb any side-effects well before departure.
- Birth Control, Sex, and AIDS
- Please be aware that there are different attitudes and expectations concerning dating and sexuality in other countries. Word and actions that mean one thing to you may mean something completely different to another person. It is important to discuss your expectations regarding interpersonal and sexual involvement with your partner so that you can reduce physical, emotional, and other risks. Become aware of the particular attitudes and customs concerning sexuality in the country you will be living in and make responsible decisions about sexual relationships while overseas.
It is important to remember that HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases exist in every country, and can be easily transmitted through many sexual behaviors. Cultural factors often determine whether you can negotiate condom use with your partner. In some countries, condom use is expected and encouraged. In other countries, individuals risk accusations of unfaithfulness if they suggest that their partner use a condom. Condoms and other contraceptives are not available in many areas, so it may be a good idea to take some with you if you think you may need them. - Emergency Medical Information
- We recommend that you make a record of any essential Emergency Medical Information and take it with you overseas (keep it with you at all times). The following type of information might be useful to others if you have an emergency:
blood type, chronic ailments (i.e., epilepsy, diabetes, asthma), food and medical allergies, current medication and dosages, immunization history, whom to call in case of emergency, your U.S. doctor's and dentist's name and phone number. - Medication and Eyewear
- If you are taking a prescribed medication, you should bring a sufficient supply for your entire stay with you and carry a copy of the prescription and/or a doctor's statement. You may need to show it when going through Customs. Most U.S. prescribed medications have brand names, so it is useful to find out the generic name in case you need to obtain extra supplies of medication.
You must keep your medication in its original container. This applies to both prescription and over the counter medications. This is important if Customs agents, American or otherwise, decide to search your luggage. A bottle filled with different types of pills will often be assumed to be contraband drugs. There is very little presumption of innocence in drug-related matters. If you wear glasses or contacts, it is a good idea to take an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses with you, along with a copy of your prescription. - Safety when Traveling
- In matters of personal safety you should use the same common sense that you would in any large American city. It is a good idea to research your country by reading a good travel guide or by checking if the consular information sheets on the World Wide Web.
Regarding personal safety, use common sense. If you would not sleep overnight on a park bench in a large U.S. city, then be cautious about doing so somewhere else. Use your host family, friends, or Program Director as resource persons to learn what is safe and places it might be best to avoid.
The main problem faced by Americans abroad relates to theft from pickpockets.- To avoid being singled out as a likely target, keep a low profile when traveling. Avoid conspicuous clothing, jewelry and behavior and do not carry large sums of cash. Invest in a good money belt in which you can place your passport, valuables, etc. If you are using a backpack, do not store your camera or other valuables in the outer pockets where they can be taken.
- Keep two copies of the numbers of credit cards and travelers checks in case they are lost or stolen; leave one set in the U.S. with family/friends and take the other with you.
- Remember that your American passport is a valuable item on the black market. Keep a copy of the front page in a safe place so that if it is stolen, you can contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate and replace it quickly.
- Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money, buy airline tickets or purchase souvenirs.
- Be cautious of where you leave your belongings. Do not leave your backpack unattended in train stations, bus terminals, or at tourist attractions.
- Travel Advisories and Political Emergencies
- The State Department publishes travel advisories for all countries of the world to inform Americans of physical dangers, serious health hazards or other conditions abroad. Travel advisories are available at any of the regional passport agencies, on the State Department Website.
The State Department provides the following guidelines for standard safety precautions:
- When residing abroad, register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The Embassy will notify you of any emergency procedures in times of a political crisis.
- When traveling around, leave a copy of your itinerary with your resident director and your host family, so that you can be contacted in an emergency. Always have emergency funds or credit cards on hand.
- Keep a low profile; avoid conspicuous dress or clothing that distinguishes you as an American.
- Be wary of discussing personal information with strangers, especially people who seem overly friendly or interested in you.
- Do not agree to carry packages or luggage for others.
- Listen to the radio or television to keep in touch with the current political situation.
- Emergency Contacts
- It is essential to gather names, telephone numbers, email addresses and fax numbers of persons that you might need to contact in case of emergency. Include, for example, the Education Abroad Office, family doctor, parents' work, cell, and fax numbers, your Financial Aid Advisor (if you have one), your Department Chair and Advisor. Likewise, make sure that your Emergency Contacts have your itinerary, in case you need to be reached while overseas. If you do not have a concrete itinerary, please keep in regular contact with the Education Abroad office and your Emergency Contacts.
Many of the problems encountered by travelers are the same as those that might occur even if they stayed at home. The key to staying healthy abroad is to get plenty of rest, not to overdo things, and to eat well.
Remember that the demands of preparing for your departure and settling down in your new country, combined with international travel and jet lag may lower your resistance to illness, so make sure that you take special care of yourself on arrival. This will help reduce the effects of travel stress, a natural and common condition experienced by most travelers. The most obvious and well-known result is jet leg, an abnormally sleepy feeling during periods in which you should be alert. To help reduce travel stress:
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco during the flight and consume lots of juice and water. Eat natural laxatives.
- Get good rest and relaxation.
- Relax by stretching and walking, breathing deeply and massaging feet and neck. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- Exercise after arrival. Take a walk to acquaint yourself with new surroundings or stretch out in your room.
- If you arrive in the morning, try not to sleep very much in the middle of the day. Go to bed at your regular time so that you will become adjusted more quickly to the time difference.
Plan Ahead
Adequate preparation for your study abroad experience will help your transition to your host school and country.
Please contact the Education Abroad office if you have any questions or concerns.
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